The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has emphasized the government’s necessity to procure construction equipment valued at €1.2 million for the rehabilitation of the Eko Bridge in Lagos State.
This announcement was made during his official visit to inspect various bridges, including Third Mainland, Carter, Falomo, Iddo, Eko, Marina, and Iganmu in Lagos State, accompanied by several directors and contractors.
In a statement released by Clement Ezeorah, the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations, on Sunday, the Minister explained that the Eko Bridge deck needs to be opened for comprehensive repair work, thus necessitating the importation of the equipment.
Umahi explained, “Due to the technical nature of the repairs required on the Eko Bridge, where the bridge deck will be exposed, equipment worth €1.2 million will be brought into the country for the specific purpose of maintaining this section of the bridge.”
The Minister pointed out that the lack of a maintenance culture at the national level was the root cause of the bridge’s deflection issues and also highlighted challenges on the Third Mainland Bridge, which was constructed in two separate sections approximately 60 years ago.
“Eko Bridge suffers two problems – the lack of maintenance and the eating up of the bearings. There are lots of air gaps, but the last administration did very well and did wonderful work.
“Work is ongoing; it will be completed in 2024 because we are pushing for an increase in the number of workers and equipment on the site.
“Without Eko Bridge, we will not have any trucks coming into Lagos Island”, he said.
